Former PM Sokoine book to debut today

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to launch a book on the late Edward Sokoine, former Prime Minister of Tanzania, titled “Edward Moringe Sokoine: Maisha na Uongozi Wake,” in Dar es Salaam today.

The book prepared by Uongozi Institute in collaboration with Sokoine University of Agriculture, chronicles Sokoine’s remarkable life journey, from his roots in the Maasai community to his influential leadership roles, including his tenure as Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

“This publication aims to expand the historical narrative of Tanzania and its broader context,” said Uongozi Institute in a statement.

The launch will be attended by current and former government leaders, development partners and representatives from the private sector, academia and civil society.

The Uongozi Institute has previously prepared memoirs for notable Tanzanian leaders, including the late Benjamin Mkapa and the late Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

Sokoine served two terms as Prime Minister, first from February 13, 1977, to November 7, 1980 and again from February 24, 1983, to April 12, 1984.

Tragically, he passed away at the age of 45 in a road accident on April 12, 1984, when his car collided with another vehicle on the road from Dodoma to Dar es Salaam.

Born in 1938 in Monduli, Arusha Region, Sokoine received his primary and secondary education in Monduli and Umbwe from 1948 to 1958.

In 1961, he joined the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) after studying administration in the Federal Republic of Germany from 1962 to 1963.

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Upon returning to Tanzania, he became the District Executive Officer of the Maasai District and was later elected to the National Assembly for the Maasai Constituency.

Sokoine’s political career advanced rapidly. In 1967, he was appointed Deputy Minister for Communication, Transportation and Labour, followed by his promotion to Minister of State in 1970.

In 1972, he took on the role of Minister for Defence and National Service. By 1975, he was once again elected to the National Assembly, this time representing Monduli and became a member of the Central Committee of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

His first term as Prime Minister began in 1977, a time marked by the Kagera War in 1978 and subsequent economic challenges. Sokoine was known for his decisive actions against economic saboteurs who hoarded essential commodities to profiteer during a time of severe shortages caused by poor local production.

He championed self-reliance, urging Tanzania to utilise its own resources and reduce dependence on foreign aid. His focus on agricultural development, industrialisation and rural initiatives aimed at fostering economic independence.

Sokoine is remembered as a staunch advocate for social justice and equality. His policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving education and healthcare and promoting gender equality have left a lasting legacy.

He also took a firm stand against corruption, implementing measures to enhance transparency and accountability in government.

The impact of Sokoine’s contributions is also evident in the establishment of the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), founded in 1979 in his honour, as one of Tanzania’s leading institutions for agricultural development and education.